September 15- October 15 is National Latinx Heritage Month (also known as National Hispanic Heritage Month), a time to pay tribute to the remarkable stories and enriching contributions of Latinx Americans. From literary powerhouses to investigative journalists, these motivational speakers educate, connect, and inspire audiences on the Latino/a experience. Contact us for more information about bringing one of these Latinx Heritage Month speakers to your school, library, business, or association to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month.

Cristina Henríquez

Cristina Henríquez is the author of the widely acclaimed novel The Book of Unknown Americans, which has been called “a flawlessly written book about immigration.” She brings to life the human stories behind the ongoing immigration debate through her characters. Inspired by the true stories of her family and neighbors’ journeys to America, she speaks about identity, immigration narratives, and the writing process with a variety of audiences.

Dan-el Padilla Peralta

Dan-el Padilla Peralta came to the United States from the Dominican Republic with his family in 1989. After his mother made the decision to stay in America after their visas lapsed, their family faced tremendous obstacles—including years living in homeless shelters—until Peralta received a scholarship to the oldest private school in the country. In his memoir, Undocumented, and in his lectures, Peralta chronicles his journey from the rough streets of New York City to the top of his class at Princeton, and offers an honest and inspiring glimpse of the Hispanic-American immigrant experience. His speeches address the history of immigration and his own inspiring odyssey to the Ivy League.

Kali Fajardo-Anstine

Kali Fajardo-Anstine is an author and National Book Award Finalist. Drawing from her Southern Colorado heritage and life experiences living across the American West, Fajardo-Anstine’s writing and lectures reflect her own heritage as a Colorado Chicana with roots in Indigenous, Latina, and Filipino cultures. Her debut story collection, Sabrina & Corina, has made waves in the literary community for its honest, provocative look at life in the American West for women of Latina and Indigenous descent. In her talks, she puts intersectional Chicana narratives at the center, highlights the importance of identity, and breaks down her approach to the craft of writing.

Lauren Markham

Lauren Markham is the author of The Far Away Brothers, the true story of teenage identical twins who traded El Salvador’s gang violence for life as undocumented immigrants in California. An accomplished journalist, educator, and advocate, Markham is an authority on international refugee issues and child migration in the United States. The Far Away Brothers examines the root causes of this migration, while attempting to understand why and how children migrate to the United States alone and under extremely dangerous conditions. Her presentations touch on the effects of recent American policy and the future of undocumented immigrants. She also speaks on the complex issues facing inner-city schools with high immigrant populations.

Jean Guerrero

Jean Guerrero is a bilingual writer and journalist with extensive experience reporting in Latin America as a foreign correspondent. In her memoir, Crux, Guerrero describes her quest to understand the mind of her father, an immigrant from Mexico who she grew up believing was schizophrenic. Her presentations blend firsthand journalism with deeply personal reflections.

Francisco Cantú

Former U.S. border patrol agent Francisco Cantú shares his intimate perspective of the everyday violence that permeates the U.S./Mexican border in his searing memoir, The Line Becomes a River. A third-generation Mexican-American raised near the border, he empathized with those trying to cross it, even as he detained them. Cantú speaks frankly, compassionately, and knowledgeably about the migrants who risk and lose their lives attempting to cross the border. In his keynotes, he gives faces to the nameless multitudes, refuting the incendiary policy and rhetoric aimed at them.

Carlos Andrés Gómez

Carlos Andrés Gómez is a Colombian American spoken word poet and author of the coming-of-age memoir Man Up: Reimagining Modern Manhood. He headlines festivals worldwide, tackling true masculinity, ending youth violence, and building self-esteem. Drawing from his eclectic expertise, he creates sought-after and captivating programs and provides critical tools for audiences to navigate conversations around identity, bullying, self-esteem, and beyond. Gómez is frequently brought to schools and organizations to craft a keynote or performance that engages Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion or Healthy Masculinity and Gender Equity.

Eduardo Porter

Born in Phoenix to an American father and a Mexican mother, Eduardo Porter moved to Mexico when he was young and he subsequently lived and worked in different countries before he returned to the U.S. in his mid-30s. Both Porter’s professional and personal experiences taught him that racial disparities are not just detrimental for people of color but for the entire nation’s economic and social health. In his latest book, American Poison, and in his talks, Porter delivers persuasive and insightful speeches about social justice, economic inequality, and the crucial role of immigration and diversity in a healthy economy.

Matt de la Peña

Matt de la Peña is a New York Times-bestselling author who has received numerous accolades for his young adult novels and picture books, including the prestigious Newbery Medal. His books include The Last Stop on Market Street, Love, and Carmela Full of Wishes, among many others. He speaks to audiences of all ages about the profound impact of creativity and literacy.

Contact us for more information about Latinx Heritage Month speakers.